Open Positions

2015-2016 Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Center for African American Studies at Princeton University invites applications from pre-tenure scholars and recent Ph.D. graduates in all disciplines for two postdoctoral or more senior research positions. These positions will be awarded for the academic year 2015-2016 to emerging scholars who will devote their ten-month residency at Princeton to writing about race in the national or global contexts and, with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty, to teaching one semester-long undergraduate course.

Postdoctoral scholars will also participate with Center faculty members and affiliated graduate students in a seminar devoted to the discussion of work in progress. In addition, they will be invited to participate in other programs, including seminars, colloquia, and public lectures and will enjoy access to Firestone Library and to a wide range of activities throughout the University. Applicants should have received the doctorate within the past five years and cannot be in the process of writing a dissertation. The term for these positions extends from September 1, 2015 until July 1, 2016; a competitive salary will be provided.

This position is subject to the University’s background check policy. A selection committee of Center for African American Studies faculty members evaluates applicants on the basis of:

the significance of their proposed research and its relevance to the purposes of the center;

the quality of their previous research and their ability to benefit from the activities of the center;

the contribution they are likely to make to higher education in the future through teaching and writing about race.

Fellowship Financial Details

Postdoctoral positions at the Center for African American Studies generally run for a full academic year (September through June). The scholar’s obligations are to pursue his or her research in residence in Princeton, to attend regularly and contribute actively to one of the Seminars and to other scheduled Center activities. Postdoctoral scholars are given offices in Stanhope Hall, each of which is equipped with a computer that is connected to the Princeton University network. They also have access to laser-printing and photocopying facilities.

Support levels are calculated using the following guidelines:

The Center's funds are limited and candidates should therefore apply for travel and research funds from their own universities and from other grant-giving institutions.

In calculating support for each position, deductions are made for outside grants and sabbatical leave funds that a scholar may bring with him/her. Within the limits of its resources, it is the intent of the Center for African American Studies to provide a salary plus benefits that will equal, but not exceed, the academic year salary paid to a scholar at his or her home university.

For scholars on leave with no outside support, the Center will pay the equivalent of his/her annual salary paid at his/her home university, up to a maximum to be determined by the Center on an annual basis.

Scholars without current institutional affiliation will be paid a salary commensurate with their experience at established Princeton University rates.

CAAS provides an opportunity for each scholar to apply for a modest fund (normally $2000) to be used for research.